EUGENE – The Roseburg softball team moved into a four-way tie for first place in the Southwest Conference standings by sweeping past South Eugene in a doubleheader on Saturday.
The Indians built an early 8-0 lead on the Lady Axers in game one and cruised to an 11-4 victory. Roseburg continued to pile up the runs in game two with a 10-0 win in five innings.
Roseburg’s offense excelled against South Eugene pitching, recording 14 hits in game one and another eight in game two. Senior Baylee Wyscaver and freshman Madysn Blevins each had four hits during the twin bill to lead the way for the Indians.
Game one started with Roseburg scoring three runs. South Eugene’s pitcher hit Roseburg’s first two batters and Wyscaver got the scoring started with an RBI single to bring home Sammie Bergmann. The Indians scored again on an error by the Lady Axers and Ashley Martin drove in Wyscaver to cap off the scoring in the first.
The Indians scored five more runs in the second inning and added one run in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings. It was all more than enough for starting pitcher Ashley Martin, who earned the win. The senior pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings and only gave up two hits, while striking out 10.
Martin left the game in the fifth inning, but reliever Madysn Blevins struggled a little and allowed four runs to the Axemen. Martin re-entered the game in the sixth inning and shut the door by striking out three of the six batters she faced.
Game two was scoreless for the first three innings, but Roseburg got on the board with seven runs in the fourth. The Indians sent 11 hitters to the plate and scored more than enough runs needed for Martin to cruise to the win on the mound.
Martin pitched all five innings in the nightcap and allowed just one hit, while striking out five.
The Indians moved into a tie for first in the Southwest Conference with the sweep. At 5-1, Roseburg is even with North Medford, South Medford, and Grants Pass. South Medford had been in first prior to Saturday’s game, but the Panthers lost a 1-0 game against Thurston.
Roseburg will host Grants Pass on Tuesday at Stewart Park. The contest begins at 4:30 p.m.
SCORES BY INN. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
ROSEBURG 3 5 0 1 1 1 0 11 14 1
S. EUGENE 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 4 4 6
SCORES BY INN. 1 2 3 4 5 R H E
ROSEBURG 0 0 0 7 3 10 8 1
S. EUGENE 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3
– Joey Keeran | joey@bciradio.com | @joeykeeran